Information In Ethiopia Research Articles

Assessing the potential of forest stands for edible mushrooms productivity as a subsistence ecosystem service in Ethiopia

Wild edible mushrooms are recognized as a fundamental component of forest management and rural development initiatives, offering farmers a substantial supplementary source of income. Thus, exploring the valuable wild mushrooms and modeling fungal fruiting in different forest systems in the tropics could provide additional insight into fungal responses to environmental factors and allow for better decision making related to forest management in the face of climate change. In many parts of the world, edible wild mushrooms are considered economically valuable non-timber forest products (NTFPs). In Ethiopia, forest management policies based on NTFPs are needed to make better use of these resources. A thorough assessment of wild mushroom as NTFPs that occur in Ethiopian forests and their uses is key to understanding what actions are needed to manage forests at the local level. We aimed (1) to record the fresh weight of edible wild mushrooms produced in natural and plantation forests in Ethiopia and (2) to develop models to predict sporocarp production in these two forest systems. We established 63 sample plots of 100 m2. All mature and young edible wild mushrooms were harvested weekly during the main rainy season to quantify their abundance and fresh weight. Composite soil samples collected from each plot and climate data recorded for each study area were used to develop models. In total, 64 edible fungal species were collected. The average annual total fresh weight production in plantations (2097.57 kg ha–1) was significantly greater than that produced in natural forests (731.18 kg ha–1). Six alternative models were fitted, and three yield categories were also defined as possible responses. Latitude, soil organic matter and minimum daily temperature were identified as relevant explanatory factors. Our yield classification models were fitted to predict the annual yields of edible fungi based on climate, soil and area-specific information in Ethiopia. The developed models should serve as a basis for further studies in Ethiopian forests to optimize forest management based on NTFPs, specifically edible wild mushrooms.

Burnout Syndrome and Associated Factors Among Health Care Professionals Working in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Dessie, Ethiopia

Burnout is a mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion that affects many healthcare workers. However, there is a lack of information in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome and identify the associated risk factors among healthcare professionals in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 251 health workers at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey was used to assess burnout (MBIHSS). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the potential determinants of burnout syndrome among the participants. A total of 251 healthcare professionals were included in this study making a response rate of 99.2%. The prevalence of burnout syndrome among healthcare professionals was 15.1% (95% CI [10.8, 19.9]). Being male (AOR = 3.22:95% CI [1.17, 8.87]), lack of interest in their profession (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI [1.84, 6.02]), experiencing physical violence (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI [1.32, 9.36]), unsatisfied with their job (AOR = 4.17, 95% CI [1.46, 11.90]) were variables found to be significantly associated with burnout syndrome. Burnout is a major problem among working in Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital healthcare professionals. Being male, having no interest in their job, having physical violence, and not being satisfied with their job contributed to burnout syndrome. Interventions to increase interest in there in their job, improve physician-patient relationships, provide safer workplace environments, and increase job satisfaction may be promising strategies to reduce burnout syndrome.

Patients' Trust in Health Care Providers Among Hospitalized Patients, Jimma, South West Ethiopia.

Trust is a fundamental aspect of the patient-health care provider (HCP) relationship associated with adherence to medical treatment and continuity of follow-up. Despite its importance there is a paucity of information in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess patient trust in HCPs at the Jimma medical center (JMC), Ethiopia. An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 404 participants from April 16 to June 29, 2020. Study participants were selected using a systematic sampling technique. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, health related and clinical characteristics, and patient trust in the patient-HCP. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 23.0 for analysis. Variables with a p-value <.25 on bivariate analysis were considered as candidates for multivariate analyses. Statistical significance on multivariable analysis was declared with p-value < .05 and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In our study, 38% of patients had low trust. Among the 397 study participants, 46.6% were female. One-third (33.2%) of respondents had no formal education. Patients who live alone [(AOR) 4.30(1.98-9.33), p = .00], and self-reported as a poor current health status [(AOR) 2.32(1.39-3.88), p = .002] were positively associated to patient trust in patient-HCP. On the other hand, duration of disease more than one year after diagnosis [(AOR) 0.48 (0.25-0.92), p = .028], comorbid disease [(AOR) 0.39(0.22-0.67), p = .001], and impaired physical mobility [(AOR) 0.27(0.16-0.45), p = .001] were negatively associated with patient trust in HCP. This study pinpoints that 38 out of 100 patients had low trust. Living alone and having poor self-reported current health status increased low trust. This calls for HCPs to rebuild trust and give due attention to patients living alone and with poor health status.

Dry Season Eimeria Infection in Dairy Cattle and Sheep in and Around Adama and Bishoftu Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia.

IntroductionEimeria infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of Eimeria (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information in Ethiopia on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in and around Adama and Bishoftu towns with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria infection; identify circulating Eimeria oocysts, the intensity/burden of infection and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in cattle and sheep. A total of 384 randomly selected (265 cattle and 119 sheep) fecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined by flotation technique using sheather’s sugar solution to detect the oocysts of Eimeria. A 2.5% potassium dichromate solution was added to the positive fecal samples for sporulation of the oocysts.Results and discussionThe overall prevalence of 48.95% Eimeria infection was recorded during the study. 45.0% and 58% prevalence of the infection was registered in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in Eimeria infection between the study animal species, age of the animals, breed, farm hygiene and management system. However, there was no significant difference in Eimeria infection (P > 0.05) in sex, body condition of the animals and fecal consistency. The maximum oocysts per gram of feces was found to be 10,000. Eimeria infection is of great importance to livestock producers and requires serious control and prevention initiatives.

Prevalence of symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and associated factors in Southern Nations, Nationalities, People's Region referral hospitals, Ethiopia.

Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the major causes of morbidity among women that affect their quality of life. Despite the severity of the problem, there is limited information in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of symptomatic POP and its associated factors. An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the referral hospitals of Southern Nations, Nationalities, People's Region, Ethiopia. Women were initially interviewed about their prolapse symptoms using validated questionnaires, and if they answered yes to one or more of the questions, they were examined by gynecologists using simplified POP quantification. Pelvic examination results and patient-reported symptoms were used to determine symptomatic POP. A multivariate logistic regression analysis model was used to identify factors associated with symptomatic prolapse. A total of 1,196 respondents were included in this study. The prevalence of symptomatic POP was found to be 20.1%. Age of women ≥55 years (AOR=8.39; 95% CI 3.41-20.62), carrying heavy objects for ≥ 5 h (AOR= 5.18; 95% CI 2.51-10.69), parity ≥4 times (AOR=2.98; 95% CI 1.60-5.53), history of home delivery (AOR= 2.90; 95% CI 1.50-5.61), giving birth through assisted vaginal delivery (AOR=5.01; 95% CI 1.73-14.53), history of chronic constipation (AOR=2.66; 95% CI 1.38-5.15), and a history of a chronic cough (AOR=9.18; 95% CI 4.52-18.61) were associated with symptomatic POP. In this study the prevalence of symptomatic POP is high. Older age, long hours of carrying heavy objects, a high parity, last birth through assisted vaginal delivery, a history of home delivery, a history of chronic constipation, and a history of a chronic cough were found to be associated with symptomatic POP.

The association of socio-demographic and environmental factors with stunting among under-five children in Hawassa City, Sidama National Regional State, Ethiopia.

Undernutrition in children is a challenging problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Stunting is the most prevalent form of undernutrition. The majority of studies on childhood stunting and its associated factors focused on children, maternal and socioeconomic components. However, a few studies reported poor WaSH status and antibiotic exposure as environmental risk factors for child stunting, and the case of socio-demographic factors also lacks consistency. Concerning this, there is a lack of information in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study assessed the association of socio-demographic, WaSH, and antibiotic exposure with stunting among under-five children. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 340 mother-child pairs. Anthropometric data were collected using standard and calibrated height and weight scales. For factorial data, an interviewer-guided standard questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors determining childhood stunting. In the present study, the prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was 14⋅7 % (95 % CI 10⋅9, 18⋅5), 4⋅4 % (95 % CI 2⋅4, 6⋅8) and 2⋅1 % (95 % CI 0⋅6, 3⋅5), respectively. Low dietary diversity, being born from a mother with an education level of secondary school, and belonging to a female-headed household were positively associated (P < 0⋅05) with stunting. The prevalence of overall undernutrition was lower (21⋅2 %) in the study area. Stunting was significantly associated with dietary diversity, maternal educational level and sex of households head. The government policy should focus on enhancing the dietary diversity of households, and encouraging women's education.

Utility of line probe assay in detecting drug resistance and the associated mutations in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Introduction:Molecular tests allow rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and drug resistance in a few days. Identifying the mutations in genes associated with drug resistance may contribute to the development of appropriate interventions to improve tuberculosis control. So far, there is little information in Ethiopia about the diagnostic performance of line probe assay (LPA) and the M. tuberculosis common gene mutations associated with drug resistance in extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the frequency of drug resistance-associated mutations in patients with extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and to compare the agreement and determine the utility of the genotypic in the detection of drug resistance in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on stored M. tuberculosis isolates. The genotypic and phenotypic drug susceptibility tests were performed using LPA and BACTEC-MGIT-960, respectively. The common mutations were noted, and the agreement and the utility of the LPA were determined using the BACTEC-MGIT-960 as a gold standard.Results:Of the 151 isolates, the sensitivity and specificity of MTBDRplus in detecting isoniazid resistance were 90.9% and 100%, respectively. While for rifampicin, it was 100% and 99.3% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The katG S315Tl was the most common mutation observed in 85.7% of the isoniazid-resistant isolates. In the case of rifampicin, the most common mutation (61.9%) was observed at position rpoB S531L. Mutations in the gyrA promoter region were strongly associated with Levofloxacin and Moxifloxacin resistance.Conclusion:Line probe assay has high test performance in detecting resistance to anti-TB drugs in EPTB isolates. The MTBDRplus test was slightly less sensitive for the detection of isoniazid resistance as compared to the detection of rifampicin. The most prevalent mutations associated with isoniazid and rifampicin resistance were observed at katG S315Tl and rpoB S531L respectively. Besides, all the fluoroquinolone-resistant cases were associated with gyrA gene. Finally, a validation study with DNA sequencing is recommended.

Burnout and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of Harari region and Dire Dawa administration, eastern Ethiopia. A cross sectional study.

BackgroundBurnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, low personal accomplishment and depersonalization experienced by a health professional and it is more common in nurses due to high workload and job stress that is mostly caused by working proximity to patients and taking care of them. Burnout compromises the provision of quality health care. Despite this, there is no information in Ethiopia on burnout among nurses in study area.ObjectivesTo determine the magnitude of burnout and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals of Harari regional state and Dire Dawa administration, eastern Ethiopia, February 1–29, 2020.MethodsInstitutional based quantitative cross-sectional study was employed from February 1–29 among 412 randomly selected nurses who have been working in hospitals for the last 6 months. Simple random sampling method was employed and data was collected by self-administered, standardized, reliable and valid, questionnaire (Maslachs Burnout Inventory- Human Services Survey). Data was entered into EpiData Version 3.1 and exported to statistical package for social science version 20 for analysis. All covariate with P-value less than 0.25 in bivariable analysis were candidate for multivariable analysis. Level of statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05.ResultsAmong 412 nurses taking part in this study, 183(44.4%) of nurses with 95% CI, had experienced burnout. Married marital status [AOR:2.3,95%CI:(1.2–4.3)], poor current health status [AOR:4.8, 95% CI:(1.1–21.4)] and fair current health status [AOR:12, 95% CI:(4.5–32)], working greater than eight hour per-day[AOR:0.52, 95%CI:(0.29–0.92)], intention to leave a job [AOR:0.48,95%CI:(0.2–0.88), being working in emergency room [AOR:0.3,95%CI:(0.1–0.98)] and using a different medication related to work related health problems were factors associated with nurses’ burnout.ConclusionThe nurses’ burnout in this study is high and it is attributed by marriage, perceiving health status as poor and fair, whereas, having the intention to leave job, being working in emergency room and using a medication in relation to work related health problems reduced risk of developing burnout. So, the concerned bodies should provide trainings which focus on stress copying mechanisms and assertiveness program.

The Legal Framework and Barriers to Access to Environmental Information in Ethiopia

Information plays a vital role, both in terms of its importance for a democratic order and as a prerequisite for public participation. Many countries have made provisions for access to information in their respective constitutions. The FDRE Constitution explicitly provides that everyone has the right to seek and receive information. The Freedom of Mass Media and Access to Information Proclamation –which entered into force in 2008– gives effect to this Constitutional guarantee. Moreover, the number of laws on different environmental issues is on the rise, and the same could be said of the multilateral environmental agreements that Ethiopia has ratified. Many of the laws incorporate the right of the public to access environmental information held by public bodies. Despite the existing legal framework, there are still notable barriers to access to environmental information. By analyzing the relevant laws, the aim of this article is to contribute to the dialogue on the constitutional right of access to information with particular emphasis on the legal framework on, and the barriers to, access to environmental information within the meaning of Principle 10 of the Rio Declaration.

Factors associated with women's exposure to mass media for Health Care Information in Ethiopia. A case-control study

IntroductionMass media are often essential to communicate health messages. Women's exposure to mass media remained low in Ethiopia. Evidence was scarce on underlined factors for enhancing women's exposure to mass media. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess factors associated with women's exposure to mass media in Ethiopia. MethodsThe study was a secondary data analysis of the Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2016. A case-control study applied with frequency matching by place of residence and women's educational levels using a 1:1 ratio. A total of 9885 participants (4824 cases and 5061 controls) were involved in the study. Cases were women who had exposure and controls were who did not have exposure to mass media. Women's exposure to mass media is defined as the total number of women aged 15–49 who report exposure to either radio, television, newspapers, or magazines at least once a week. Logistic regressions analysis was conducted and the level of statistical significance was determined by a p-value of less than 0.05to identify factors associated with women's exposure to mass media. ResultBeing in Women's age group 30–34 years (AOR = 1.19,95% C.I:1.04–1.35), having own mobile phones (AOR = 1.92,95% C.I:1.71–2.15), women ever used internet (AOR = 1.56,95% C.I:1.13–2.13), Women in the female-headed household (AOR = 0.76,95%C.I:0.68–0.86), Women in middle (AOR = 1.48,95%C.I:1.25–1.76), richer (AOR = 2.13,95%C.I:1.82–2.49) and richest (AOR = 2.67,95% C.I:2.22–3.21) wealth index, and women visited by health care provider (AOR = 1.41,95% C.I:1.17–1.71) were factors affecting women's exposure to mass media. ConclusionWomen's access to mobile phones, internet, and care provider counseling were facilitating factors for exposure to mass media. Younger age women, lower wealth quantile, and female headship in the household were risk factors for the non-exposure of women to mass media. Empowering household wealth and improving access to ICT could improve women's exposure to mass media.

Oral Hygiene Practices and Associated Factors among Patients Visiting Private Dental Clinics at Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia, 2018.

Introduction A poor oral hygiene is associated with dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal diseases, bad breath, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and chronic kidney diseases. Moreover, a poor oral health has psychosocial impacts that diminish a quality of life and restrict activities in school, at work, and home. African regions carry a major burden of oral health problems. However, very few studies highlighted about oral hygiene practices and there is also paucity of information in Ethiopia. This study was, therefore, designed to identify an oral hygiene practice on patients/clients visiting dental clinics in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia. Objective To assess oral hygiene practices and associated factors among patients/clients visiting private dental clinics, Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia. Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study was employed among patients/clients attending private clinics in Hawassa City from January 27 to February 8, 2018. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select 403 study participants. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1, cleaned, and analyzed by SPSS 20. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between independent and outcome variables. Crude and adjusted OR with 95% confidence level was estimated, and variables having P value ≤0.05 in multivariable analysis were considered as significant. Results 393 study participants participated making a response rate of 97.52%. A median age of respondents was 27 ± 10.9. About 153 (39.9%) of the study participants had poor oral hygienic practice. Male (AOR: 1.63, 95% CI: (1.053, 2.523)), rural residence (AOR: 3.79, 95% CI: (1.724, 8.317)), and poor knowledge about oral hygiene (AOR: 2.38, 95% CI: (1.402, 4.024)) were independently associated to poor oral hygienic practice. Conclusion More than one-third of the study participants had poor oral hygienic practice. Providing health information regarding oral hygiene for the patients/clients in the facilities with a special focus from rural areas is recommended.

Temporal and spatial solar resource variation by analysis of measured irradiance in Geba catchment, North Ethiopia

The availability of solar energy resource information in Ethiopia is limited due to the lack of ground measurement stations. The aim of this work was, therefore, to estimate the temporal variation and spatial distribution of solar radiation for Geba catchment located in the Northern part of Ethiopia based on four selected measurement sites. To achieve this, ground measurement data at ten-minute interval that has been recorded for five years was employed. Time series data and temporal variation analysis were done for all the sites. The spatial distribution analysis was carried out by interpolation of the data from the sites across the catchment using Inverse Distance Weight (IDW) method of the ArcGIS software.The temporal data analysis indicated higher solar radiation of greater than 5 kWh/m2/day during the dry months of September to May and in the range of 3–4 kWh/m2/day during the rainy season of June to August. The result of the analysis on spatial distribution of solar radiation showed 5%–7.5% variation with daily average solar radiation of 5.6 kWh/m2/day across the catchment. Areas in central part around Mekelle and southern part around Mayderhu site have relatively higher solar radiation.

Blood donation practice and associated factors among health professionals working at heath centers in Nefas Silk Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Accessibility of a safe and adequate blood transfusion is a challenge worldwide and even more critical in Africa. Even though blood donation is lifesaving practice, current blood supply is far less compared to the demand in Ethiopia. However, there is limited information in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess blood donation practice and associated factors among health professionals working at heath center in Nefas Silk Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among health professionals working at health centers in Nefas Silk Lafto sub city, Addis Ababa from 23 August 2019 to 20 September 2019. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected used self-administered structured questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for data analysis. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; 459 health professionals were included in the study with a response rate of 98.4%. Only 157 (34.2%) of them donated blood in the last five years. Age (AOR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.79), blood collection site (AOR=3.46, 95% CI: 2.03, 5.89), blood collection working (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.16, 3.44) and knowledge (AOR=0.32, 95% CL: 0.14, 0.76) were significantly associated with blood donation practice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Blood donation practice was low. Age of health professionals, blood collection site, blood collection working hour and knowledge were significantly associated with blood donation practice. Therefore, establish fixed and mobile collection site and convenient time for blood donors and awareness creation is crucial.&lt;/p&gt;

Anemia and Associated Factors Among Adults with Human Immune Deficiency Virus on Antiretroviral Therapy in Public Health Facilities of Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundAnemia is an independent prognostic marker of HIV/AIDS disease progression. It causes impaired physical functioning, psychological distress, poor quality-of-life, and reduces life expectancy in HIV patients. However, there is limited information in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of anemia and associated factors among adult HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in public health facilities of Kembata Tembaro Zone, southern Ethiopia.MethodsWe conducted a facility-based cross-sectional study. A total of 401 HIV patients attending antiretroviral therapy nested in five health facilities were included in the analysis. Simple random sampling was employed using medical record number to select study units. Data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements were taken, and a drop of capillary blood was collected to determine hemoglobin level by HemoCue 301 analyzer. Clinical related data were collected from patient medical records by using a structured checklist. The collected data were coded and entered into EpiData version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with anemia and statistical tests were declared significant at a P-value<0.05.ResultsThe magnitude of anemia among adults HIV patients attending ART was 26.2%, 95% CI=21.7–30.4. Being female (AOR=2.06, 95% CI=1.02–4.16), body mass index <18.5 Kg/m2 (AOR=2.28, 95% CI=1.09–4.78), Zidovudine use (AOR=3.71, 95% CI=1.9–7.26), having had an opportunistic infection (AOR=5.46, 95% CI=1.67–17.7), and WHO stage III or IV (AOR=5.71, 95% C=2.68–12.14) were significantly associated with the occurrence of anemia.ConclusionAnemia was found to be a moderate public health problem among ART attendants in the current study area. Thus, early detection and intervention targeting Zidovudine users, females, patients having body mass index <18.5 Kg/m2, patients having opportunistic infections, and patients having clinical WHO stage III or IV disease is vital to reduce the magnitude of anemia and its consequences.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Zymoseptoria tritici in Ethiopia as revealed by microsatellite markers

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici (formerly: Mycosphaerella graminicola or Septoria tritici), is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat globally. Understanding genetic diversity of the pathogen has supreme importance in developing best management strategies. However, there is dearth of information on the genetic structure of Z. tritici populations in Ethiopia. Therefore, the present study was targeted to uncover the genetic diversity and population structure of Z. tritici populations from the major wheat-growing areas of Ethiopia. Totally, 182 Z. tritici isolates representing eight populations were analyzed with 14 microsatellite markers. All the microsatellite loci were polymorphic and highly informative, and hence useful genetic tools to depict the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen. A wide range of diversity indices including number of observed alleles, effective number of alleles, Shannon's diversity index, number of private alleles, Nei’s gene diversity and percentage of polymorphic loci (PPL) were computed to determine genetic variation within populations. A high within-populations genetic diversity was confirmed with gene diversity index and PPL values ranging from 0.34 − 0.58 and 79–100% with overall mean of 0.45 and 94%, respectively. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a moderate genetic differentiation where 92% of the total genetic variation resides within populations, leaving only 8% among populations. Cluster (UPGMA), PCoA and STRUCTURE analyses did not group the populations into sharply genetically distinct clusters according to their geographical origins, likely due to high gene flow (Nm = 5.66) and reproductive biology of the pathogen. All individual samples shared alleles from two subgroups (K = 2) evidencing high potential of genetic admixture. In conclusion, the microsatellite markers used in the present study were highly informative and thus, helped to dissect the genetic structures of Z. tritici populations in Ethiopia. Among the studied populations, those of East Shewa, Arsi, South West Shewa and Bale showed a high genetic diversity, and hence these areas can be considered as hot spots for investigations planned on the pathogen and host-pathogen interactions. Therefore, the present study not only enriches missing information in Ethiopia but also provides new insights into the epidemiology and genetic structure of Z. tritici in Africa where the agro-climatic conditions and the wheat cropping systems are different from other parts of the world. Such baseline information is useful for designing and implementing durable and effective management strategies.

Challenges and opportunities of information and communication technologies for dissemination of agricultural information in Ethiopia

This review paper analyses the challenge and opportunities of information and communication technologies for dissemination of agricultural information in Ethiopia. Understanding the challenges and opportunities of information and communication technologies enables to solve the problem of information problem to smallholder farmers. The data was collected, assessed and reviewed from recent secondary data sources from Central statistical agency, and scholarly articles published on the issue of information and communication technology in agriculture (ICT 4 Ag).Compared to the other sector like governance, health and education sectors, ICT-adoption in the agricultural sector has started relatively late in Ethiopia. Even though it is in infant stage, there are many agricultural ICT related service and application in Ethiopia. The current radical penetration of ICTs like mobile phone, website, social media and other internet/online services brings an immense prospect to farmers to create, share, store, process, interpret and preserve agricultural information and knowledge. ICT related agricultural extension system is the solely choice for dissemination of agricultural knowledge and information. Ethiopia is the country which has more than 65000 extension personnel for agricultural extension. But this extension system is not sustainable since it is very costly and inefficient. Thus, agricultural extension policy and intervention should focus on ICT based extension system.

English

Development of diseases in cultivated crops depends on the complex inter-relationship between host, pathogen and prevailing environmental conditions. The significant role of nematodes in the development of nematode&ndash;fungus interaction is demonstrated in many crops throughout the world. However, there is scanty research information in Ethiopia. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to: (i) investigate the effect of Meloidogyne incognita (MI)-Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) interaction on selected tomato genotypes based on their order of inoculation and (ii) evaluate the reaction of selected tomato genotypes against the MI-FOL interaction. The greenhouse experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) factorial with four replications. Three-week-old tomato seedlings were inoculated with MI suspension at a rate of 3000 second-stage juveniles (J2) and 10 ml FOL suspension (3x106 conidia/ml/pot) around the root rhizosphere. Tomato growth, biomass and pathogen related data were recorded starting first week after inoculation to eight weeks of post inoculation. The result revealed that simultaneous inoculation of MI and FOL (NF) and FOL 10 days after MI (N1F2) was found significantly (p &le; 0.05) reducing tomato growth, biomass and pathogen related parameters compared to single pathogen or un-inoculated control. Among the three tomato genotypes tested, Assila was moderately resistant as measured by the lower number of root gall and egg mass per plant, that it could be of a good choice to manage this disease complex or interaction. Performance evaluation study at MI-FOL hot spot farmers&rsquo; field should be investigated in the near future. Key words: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici, Meloidogyne incognita, resistance, management, synergistic effect and tomato varieties &nbsp;

Bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones and contributing factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a mixed methods study

Fluoroquinolones are widely used globally and there is a growing trend of resistance to these agents. However, there is scanty information in Ethiopia and this study aimed to assess the level of bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones and identify contributing factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Concurrent mixed methods study design was used. Records (January 2013 to December 2016) of the Microbiology Laboratory of International Clinical Laboratories were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, qualitative interviews were conducted with purposively selected 20 prescribers’ and dispensers’ to explore perceived contributing factors to resistance. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data and possible association was explored using multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. A total of 7,889 bacterial isolates were identified from 4,310 patients. The overall resistance of bacterial isolates to fluoroquinolones was 42.5% and the highest resistance was to nalidixic acid (63.3%). Enterococci and Escherichia coli developed high level of resistance to ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin; while Enterococci had higher resistant to nalidixic acid (77.8%). Resistance to fluoroquinolones was 5-times more likely in patients aged ≥ 60 years than those &lt; 15 years old (AOR = 5.63, 95% CI: 4.71, 6.73). Resistance to fluoroquinolones increased from 40.4% in 2013 to 49.0% in 2015 but declined to 46.3% in 2016. Respondents of the qualitative interviews suggested that injudicious prescribing due to lack of institutional antibiogram and inadequate knowledge, nonprescription sales of antibiotics and/or patient hording and sharing practices contributed for the high level of fluoroquinolone resistance. The study showed a high level of bacterial resistance to fluoroquinolones. Patients’ age and year of testing were significantly associated with resistance. Moreover, inappropriate prescribing practice, illegal over-the-counter sales as well as their unreasonable use by patients were key drivers to the problem. This calls for the strict regulation of non-prescription sales of antibiotics, public awareness creation and development of local antibiogram to guide prescribing. Keywords: fluoroquinolones, bacterial resistance, qualitative interview, enterococci, Escherichia coli

Evaluating Growth, Seed Yield and Yield Attributes of Camelina &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;(Camelina sativa L)&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Response to Seeding Rate and Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels Under Irrigation Condition, Southern Ethiopia

Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is an ancient oilseed crop. Camelina seed can be used as a food ingredient and raw material for the production of oil. The by-product of camelina oil used as fodder ingredient. But there is no information in Ethiopia about camelina production, so that an experiment was conducted at at Lambuda Hossana area, Southern Ethiopia to investigate the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on the yield and yield attribute along with different seeding rate of camelina in 2016 cropping year. The treatments were 0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha^-1 and Camelina seeding rate 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 kg ha^-1. The experiment was laid out in RCBD design with three replications. The result revealed that application of nitrogen has significantly increased the seed yield camelina compared with the control. There was a steady increase in the seed yield of camelina for nitrogen levels from 100 kg ha^-1 up to 150 kg ha^-1 in the studyarea. Combined analysis of the two treatment factors data showed that still the highest yield was obtained at nitrogen level applied at of 150 kg ha-1 with seeding 10 ha^-1. Seeding rate also varied significantly in their performance with respect to yield components and yield ha^-1. Accordingly, 10 kg ha^-1 performed best relative to the other three seeding rate. It is concluded that there is a significant and positive response of camelina to applied nitrogen and the highest biological and grain yield was obtained at nitrogen level of 150 kg ha-1 with seeding rate of 10kg ha^-1. Thus it is recommended that nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in the area to mitigate nitrogen deficiency for enhanced camelina yield.

Practice of code of ethics and associated factors among medical doctors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

IntroductionIn the health sector, questions are being raised about the possible threats to the accepted principles of ethics such as autonomy, beneficence, non malfeasance and justice in the delivery of health care. There is limited information in Ethiopia regarding to practice of code of ethics among medical doctors. Hence, this study aimed to assess practice of code of ethics and associated factors among medical doctors working in governmental and private hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitution based cross sectional quantitative study triangulated with qualitative study was conducted among 500 medical doctors working in governmental and private hospitals and three key informants from Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopian Food, Medicine and Healthcare Administration and Control Authority and Ethiopian Medical Association in Addis Ababa from May 8, 2017 to June 30, 2017. Data were collected using pretested self-administered structured questionnaire and semi-structured questionnaire. Binary Logistic Regression and Content Analysis methods were used for the quantitative and qualitative data analysis respectively.ResultsThe study showed that only 152 (30.4%) of medical doctors had good practice of code of ethics. The odds of having good practice of code of ethics among medical doctors in the age group of 25–29 years were 2.749 times the odds of those in the age group of 30–34 years (AOR = 2.749, 95% CI: 1.483, 5.096), medical doctors working in governmental hospitals were 65.4% less likely to have good practice of code of ethics compared to those working in private hospitals (AOR = 0.346, 95% CI: 0.184, 0.652), knowledgeable medical doctors were 83.5% more likely to have good practice of code of ethics compared to those who were not knowledgeable about code of ethics (AOR = 1.835, 95% CI: 0.999, 3.368), and the odds of having good practice of code of ethics among medical doctors with favourable attitude were 7.404 times the odds of those with unfavourable attitude towards code of ethics (AOR = 7.404, 95% CI: 4.254, 12.887). Furthermore lack of motivation, unfavorable working environment, working at various health facilities simultaneously, public awareness, taking courses on medical ethics, lack of unethical conduct reporting and complaint handling system, incompetence of medical doctors, and weak collaboration among key stakeholders were identified as determinants of practice of code of ethics.ConclusionsOnly 30.4% of medical doctors had good practice of code of ethics. This indicates that practice of code of ethics among medical doctors in Addis Ababa is poor. The factors associated with practice of code of ethics were age, type of hospital, knowledge, attitude, lack of motivation, unfavorable working environment, working at various health facilities simultaneously, public awareness, medical ethics course, lack of unethical conduct reporting and compliant handling system, incompetence of medical doctors and weak collaboration among key stakeholders. Hence, awareness creation and attitudinal change on code of ethics by continuous training, implementation of integrated medical ethics course, enforcement of code of ethics and continuing professional development (CPD) implementation are important.